SSE responds to the UK Government’s and Ofgem’s Electricity Networks Strategic Framework

The UK government and regulator Ofgem have just published The Electricity Networks Strategic Framework that sets out the vital role this crucial infrastructure plays in enabling a more “secure, resilient and net zero energy system”.

Responding to the document, our Chief Executive, Alistair Phillips-Davies said:

“We welcome further recognition from the UK Government and Ofgem of the vital importance of boosting strategic investment in Britain’s electricity networks. This will be essential if we are to achieve the scale of transformation required over this decade at the time customers need it to, reach net zero, and deliver a more secure energy system for consumers.

“We now need to see this welcome high-level ambition translating into tangible action – removing barriers to project delivery and moving from a reactive to a proactive approach that ensures price controls are aligned with the Government’s intent and climate goals.

“For example, we were pleased to see the recent publication of the Holistic Network Design outlining crucial upgrades to transmission network infrastructure and look forward to building on the constructive engagement to date with BEIS and Ofgem to establish the policy and regulatory framework required to deliver acceleration.

“However, to achieve net zero and adequately meet customers’ needs, equally ambitious progress is needed for distribution networks. With Ofgem currently consulting on the critical ED2 price control, the strong signal sent through today’s publication must be reflected in the final determinations later this year to facilitate decarbonisation, and support an ever-increasing reliance on electricity networks.”